An apple cider martini is a shaken cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, and real apple cider, served in a cinnamon-sugar-rimmed glass. It's the easiest way to get all the flavor of fall into a single drink, no simmering, no infusing, just a shaker and five minutes. Whether you're making one for yourself on a Tuesday night or a whole tray for a fall party, this recipe comes together the same way every time.
An apple cider martini is a fall cocktail made by shaking vodka, triple sec, apple cider, and lemon juice with ice, then straining it into a cinnamon sugar-rimmed glass. It's for anyone who wants a fall-flavored cocktail that comes together in one shaker with no cooking or infusing required, whether that's a single drink after work or a batch for a party. This post covers the exact recipe, which cider to use and why, substitutions for the vodka and rim, garnish ideas, and a big batch method for scaling it up for a crowd. It also answers the most common questions about apple cider cocktails, including how an apple cider martini is different from an appletini.
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You'll love this apple cider martini recipe
It tastes like fall without any of the work. You get cinnamon, apple, and a little brown sugar in every sip, but you don't have to simmer a pot of cider or infuse anything overnight.
It's a one-shaker cocktail. Rim the glass, shake everything with ice, strain, and garnish. That's the whole recipe.
It's an easy one to batch. This is one of the few martinis that scales up well for a party, so it works just as easily for a solo happy hour as it does for a crowd.
Ingredients
Vodka. A clean, mid-shelf vodka is all you need since the cider and cinnamon do most of the flavor work. I like Tito's or Ketel One here.
Triple sec. This adds a little orange and sweetness that rounds out the apple flavor. Cointreau is a nice upgrade if you have it, but a basic triple sec works fine too.
Apple cider. Use real apple cider, not apple juice. Cider is unfiltered and less sweet, which is what gives this drink its deeper, fuller flavor. If you can get fresh-pressed cider from a local orchard or farmers market, it makes a noticeably better cocktail than the shelf-stable kind, though shelf-stable cider works fine if that's what you have.
Lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice, not bottled, is what keeps this drink from tasting flat and one-note sweet.
Cinnamon and brown sugar. This is for the rim. The brown sugar adds a little caramel note that plain sugar doesn't, and it's what makes the rim taste like more than just cinnamon.
Apple slice. For garnish, a thin apple slice on the rim of the glass.
How to make an apple cider martini
- Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together on a small plate.
- Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a martini glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat it.
- Add the apple cider, vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake until the shaker feels frosted on the outside, about 15 to 20 seconds. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with an apple slice.
Substitutions and variations
Whiskey or bourbon instead of vodka. Either one leans into the fall flavor even more and pairs naturally with the cinnamon rim. Use the same amount as the vodka.
Spiced rum instead of vodka. This adds extra cinnamon and clove flavor on top of what's already in the rim, so it's a good pick if you want a warmer, spicier drink.
Maple syrup instead of brown sugar rim. Skip the cinnamon sugar rim and add a half ounce of maple syrup to the shaker instead. You'll get a smoother, more caramel-forward sweetness instead of the crunchy rim.
Pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon. Swap the cinnamon in the rim mixture for pumpkin pie spice if you want a little clove and nutmeg in the mix too.
Non-alcoholic version. Leave out the vodka and triple sec and add an extra ounce of apple cider and a splash of sparkling water in their place. You'll still get the cinnamon rim and the apple flavor, just without the alcohol.
Garnish Ideas
- A thin apple slice, fanned out on the rim of the glass
- A cinnamon stick, for stirring and sipping
- A star anise pod, floating on top
- A caramel drizzle around the inside of the glass, in addition to the cinnamon sugar rim
My go-to is the cinnamon sugar rim plus a thin apple slice. It's simple, but it's what makes this drink look like a fall cocktail before you even take a sip.
How to Make a Big Batch of Apple Cider Martinis
This recipe scales up well, which makes it a good pick for a fall party or a happy hour with friends. Here's how to make it for a crowd of 6.
In a pitcher, combine 9 ounces vodka, 3 ounces triple sec, 15 ounces apple cider, and 1.5 ounces lemon juice. Stir to combine and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
Rim each glass with cinnamon sugar ahead of time so they're ready to go. When your guests arrive, shake individual servings (about 4 ounces of the batch mixture) with ice and strain into the prepared glasses. Shaking each serving individually, rather than pouring straight from the pitcher, is what keeps every drink cold and properly diluted instead of warm and overly strong.
FAQ
What can you mix with apple cider?
Vodka, whiskey, or spiced rum all work well with apple cider. Vodka keeps the apple flavor front and center, while whiskey or rum add extra warmth that leans into the cinnamon and fall spice.
What's the difference between apple cider and apple juice for cocktails?
Apple cider is unfiltered and less sweet, which gives cocktails a deeper, more full bodied apple flavor. Apple juice is filtered and sweeter, so it can make a cocktail taste flat or one note. Always reach for cider here, not juice.
Is an apple cider martini the same as an appletini?
No, they're different drinks. An appletini is typically made with vodka and sour apple schnapps or apple liqueur and doesn't contain any real cider. An apple cider martini uses actual apple cider, which gives it a more natural, less candy like apple flavor.
Can I make apple cider martinis ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can mix the vodka, triple sec, apple cider, and lemon juice ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Shake each serving with ice right before pouring so the drink stays cold and properly diluted instead of watered down or warm.
What's the best liquor to pair with apple cider?
Vodka is the most versatile option since it lets the cider and cinnamon lead. If you want a warmer, more fall forward drink, whiskey or spiced rum both pair naturally with apple cider's flavor.
Amazon home bar finds
I love these vintage Art Deco-style martini glasses, or these classic martini glasses to enjoy this drink in!
You'll also want a cocktail shaker for not only this recipe, but many homemade cocktail recipes!
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Want more fall cocktail recipes?
Apple Cider Martini - a simple and easy fall cocktail!
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. vodka
- .5 oz. triple sec
- 2.5 oz. apple cider
- .25 oz. lemon juice
Instructions
- On a plate, mix together ground cinnamon and brown sugar. Using a lemon wedge, wet the rim of your martini glass. Dip the rim of your glass into the cinnamon sugar mixture and swirl until the rim is covered. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, add your apple cider, vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and ice.
- Shake until the cocktail shaker is frosted and strain into your prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with an apple slice and cheers!
